Join Me: Upcoming Town Hall
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Join me for an upcoming town hall at Weber State University, Lindquist Hall (Barlow Hall) on February 20th from 7:00–8:00 PM! This is a great opportunity to hear updates from the legislative session, ask questions, and share your thoughts on the issues that matter most to you. I look forward to seeing you there and having a great conversation about Utah’s future!
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With week 4 in the books, I’m happy to report on the bills that I’ve opened and am working to get through the process.
This week I passed my first bill in the House. HB 333 Medication in Schools, which will open up options for life saving epinephrine in our schools. Last fall, the FDA approved, Neffy, an epinephrine nasal spray. In an emergency now either an auto-injector or Neffy can be used to help our kids having a life-threatening allergic reaction. I’m grateful that Senator Ann Millner is my senate sponsor and am looking forward to getting the bill passed and signed!
During my campaign, I spoke to many constituents concerned about their increasing property taxes. As promised, have two bill files open to help lower residential property taxes. The first bill would lower the taxable amount on primary houses, and the second bill will bring more transparency and coordination in setting the state portion of property taxes. These bills are moving through the process, and I will keep you informed of their progress. While our property tax system is complicated and most heavily influenced by spending at the local level, I do believe the state can implement policies that will help. Check out this video to learn more.
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Finally, District 10 gets hit hard by the dust from the west desert and Great Salt Lake, and this important resource is critical to both our economy and the environment. As a member of the Natural Resources Standing Committee, I’m proud to be working on both an RFA for the Great Salt Lake which will fund infrastructure improvements which will save water and mitigate dust while enhancing the wetlands surrounding the lake. I also have a bill open that will streamline the process to get water to the lake and provide greater clarity and coordination to balance economic development and environmental protections for the Great Salt Lake.
Thank you to the friends and neighbors in District 10 who have reached out to me about their concerns. We have had great conversations, and I value your insight.
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The session is flying by and we are officially at the halfway mark. So much has been accomplished already for our community, from strengthening public safety to expanding education opportunities for students and securing Utah’s energy future, The legislature is working hard to tackle the issues that matter most and will have lasting benefits for our kids and grandkids.
Stay engaged with the process by visiting le.utah.gov, where you can watch live streams, check daily schedules, and dive into the details of the legislation shaping our state. Your voice matters—let’s keep the momentum going!
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Strengthening Public Safety
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Keeping Utah communities safe remains a top priority, and we are taking bold steps to combat crime and protect families. H.B. 226 Criminal Justice Modifications strengthens penalties for repeat offenders and closes loopholes that allow career criminals to evade justice. H.B. 312 Gang Prevention and Enforcement targets organized crime by giving law enforcement better tools to dismantle dangerous gangs. With fentanyl fueling a growing public safety crisis, H.B. 38 Controlled Substance Amendments increases penalties for traffickers, while H.B. 87 Drug Testing and Prevention enhances drug testing and intervention efforts to curb substance abuse. These measures work together to ensure those who threaten our communities face real consequences while making Utah a safer place for everyone.
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We are advancing our above-all-energy approach by embracing nuclear power as a key component of Utah’s future energy mix. H.B. 249 Nuclear Power Amendments, which passed the House unanimously, establishes the Utah Energy Council and creates a nuclear energy consortium, aiming to explore and develop advanced nuclear technologies. This will provide a secure energy source for Utah, allowing us to keep rates low and the lights on. Check out this article to learn more.
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Supporting Students and Future Educators
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We’re committed to setting Utah students and teachers up for success by expanding opportunities in education and the workforce. H.B. 447 will enhance Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs statewide, allowing students to explore high-demand fields like healthcare, engineering, and construction while gaining credentials for high-paying jobs—even before graduation. H.B. 260 strengthens pathways from K-12 to higher education by ensuring students graduate with industry-recognized credentials, setting them up for long-term success. Supporting future educators is also a priority, and H.B. 204 Stipends for Future Educators Grant Program Amendments aims to provide financial assistance to student teachers, increasing retention and encouraging graduates to stay and teach in Utah. Additionally, H.B. 344 School Fees Amendments aims to reduce financial barriers for families by addressing school fees, making education more accessible for all students. These efforts work together to create a stronger, more prepared workforce while investing in the next generation of Utah’s educators and leaders.
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On February 14, 1870, Utah school teacher Seraph Young made history as the first woman in the United States to cast a ballot under an equal suffrage law. As we mark 155 years since this milestone, we honor Seraph Young’s legacy and the lasting impact of women’s political participation.
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Bills passed by the House This Week
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I would love to hear from you!
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